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Executive Succession & Strategic Hiring

Billy McCarthy • July 2, 2025

At the executive level, leadership transitions are rarely straightforward. Whether driven by retirement, restructuring, or growth, replacing a senior leader is a high-stakes decision that can shape the future trajectory of an organisation. Unfortunately, too many companies approach these appointments reactively, focusing on short-term replacement rather than long-term succession strategy.


As a recruitment agency specialising in professional recruitment, we work closely with clients to integrate succession planning into the hiring process, helping them secure not just any leader, but the right one for their long-term goals.

Recruitment at the Senior Level: A Strategic Function

Executive appointments are fundamentally strategic. When selecting a new CEO, Managing Director, or board-level leader, organisations must look beyond technical expertise and assess broader alignment with vision, culture, and future business needs.


As your recruitment partner, our role is to support this process holistically. We engage with your leadership team to understand:


  • The strategic direction of the business over the next 3–5 years
  • Leadership gaps or risks that may hinder progress
  • Cultural dynamics and the type of leader who will thrive within them
  • Whether you need continuity, transformation, or a combination of both


By asking the right questions early, we help you future proof your leadership team, not just fill a vacancy.

The Rise of Senior Fractional Talent in Scotland

By Billy McCarthy • July 2, 2025
Many Scottish organisations are rethinking how they access senior leadership. With permanent hiring slowing and transformation needs accelerating, the demand for fractional senior professionals is gaining real momentum. These are experienced leaders, CFOs, COOs, Transformation Directors, and more, who work with companies on a part-time, interim, or project basis. They bring strategic insight, leadership, and delivery capability without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. Why Now? Several factors are driving this shift: Economic Pressure : With tighter budgets and cautious growth plans, businesses are seeking cost-effective ways to access top-tier talent. Business Agility : Organisations need to respond quickly to change, whether that’s digital transformation, regulatory shifts, or scaling operations. Fractional leaders offer the flexibility to plug in expertise exactly when and where it’s needed. Talent Evolution : More senior professionals are choosing portfolio careers, offering their skills across multiple businesses. This growing pool of fractional talent is rich in experience and ready to deliver impact. The Benefits of Going Fractional For employers, the advantages are clear: Access to Expertise : Gain the insight of a seasoned leader without the overhead of a permanent executive. Speed to Impact : Fractional professionals are used to hitting the ground running, often delivering results within weeks. Strategic Focus : Whether it’s leading a finance function through change or guiding a business through a funding round, fractional leaders bring clarity and direction. What We’re Seeing at Amplifi Talent At Amplifi Talent , we’re seeing a marked increase in demand for senior fractional candidates, particularly in finance, transformation, and operational leadership roles. Our clients are looking for individuals who can step into complex environments, build trust quickly, and deliver measurable outcomes. We’re also seeing more senior professionals proactively seeking fractional opportunities. They’re drawn to the variety, autonomy, and challenge that this model offers. Is This the Future of Leadership? Fractional hiring isn’t just a stopgap, it’s a strategic choice. For many businesses, it’s becoming a core part of their talent strategy. For senior professionals, it’s a compelling way to shape a career on their own terms. If you're exploring how fractional leadership could support your business, or if you're a senior candidate considering a portfolio career, we’d love to hear from you.